Strong Irish Side Named For Euro
Nations Cup

Ireland coach Daryl Powell has named his 28-man squad for the European Nations Cup later this year, and the side will be captained by Wigan prop Terry O'Connor. The Irish side will take on France and Scotland in the pool stage of the inaugural competitioon in October and November.

Powell, the Leeds Rhinos coach, and his assistant Andy Kelly have named a 28-man selection, and they will also include three players from the Irish domestic competition later in the year.

The selection includes nine players who played for Ireland in the 2000 World Cup, as well as several young talents.

Sheffield winger Carl De Chenu and Oldham second rower Lee Doran are rewarded for their development, as is Leeds prop Tommy Gallagher, who is currently on loan at London Broncos.

Highly-rated Bradford stand off Chris Bridge is included, despite only making his Super League debut last Friday at Halifax.

Hull loose forward Shayne McMenemy may be forced to pull out after suffering a dislocated elbow in Sunday's defeat at Widnes, his first game since a move from Halifax.

Leeds centre Chris McKenna and Hull prop Craig Greenhill are among the players who, whilst born in Australia, qualify for Ireland through their heritage.

Wigan winger Brian Carney has not been selected, as the Great Britain squad will face Australia in The Ashes Series at the same time as the European Nations Cup is being played.

Ireland squad: Lee Finnerty (Halifax), Steve Prescott (Hull), Francis Cummins (Leeds), Anthony Stewart (St Helens), Carl De Chenu (Sheffield), Colum Halpenny (Wakefield), Rob Smyth (Warrington), Chris McKenna (Leeds), Marvin Golden (Widnes), Michael Eagar (Castleford), Tommy Martyn (Leigh), Gavin Clinch (Salford), Chris Bridge (Bradford), Mick Slicker (Huddersfield), Terry O'Connor (captain, Wigan), Paul Southern (Rochdale), Tommy Gallagher (Leeds/London), Craig Greenhill (Hull), Shayne McMenemy (Hull), Tim Jonkers (St Helens), Mick Cassidy (Wigan), Dave Bradbury (Leigh), Chris Joynt (St Helens), Richard Marshall (London), Lee Doran (Oldham), Johnny Lawless (Halifax), Paul Handforth (Wakefield), Paul Devlin (Widnes).